And Belgium international Vertonghen feels the youngster can eventually reach the same level as Bale, who joined Real Madrid in a record £85million deal this summer.

"I think Andros can be our new Gareth Bale," said defender Vertonghen. "He has so much pace and technique and skills, and he can do it with both feet. I hope he can keep going like this and he can even be our best player.

"Can he reach the same level as Bale? Maybe one day, if he keeps working - and he will. He's young. In two or three years I think he can go to that level, yes.

"I remember playing against him in training last year. Sometimes I played left-back so I played against him when he was on the right wing in training, and I never liked playing against him.

"He's 100 per cent professional and I like him as a person as well so I'm very happy he's doing this well."